War Cantata / Child Object

by Larry Tremblay, Keith Turnbull (Translation)

War Cantata translated by Keith Turnbull How far will humanity go in its quest for power? Why do we desire to eliminate each other through war? War Cantata looks at ways the impulse for violence is transmitted from one generation to the next; for example, when a father teaches his son hatred to transform him into a soldier impervious to pity. Without focusing on a particular battle or soldier, this harsh, intense, choral text builds the rhythmic power of words to expose war’s spiral toward hatred.

In 2012, SACD (Société des auteurs et compositeurs dramatiques), in partnership with France Culture, awarded War Cantata the Prix SADC for best world play written in French, and CEAD (Centre des auteurs dramatiques) awarded it the Prix Michel-Tremblay for the best play written in Quebec in 2012.

Cast of 2 men and a chorus.

Child Object translated by Chantal Bilodeau With child as a blank page, a man sets about constructing his ideal companion manipulating personality, gender, and body. The child becomes the ultimate consumer good.

Cast of 1 woman and 2 men.

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2014

About the author

Larry Tremblay is a writer, director, actor and specialist in Kathakali, an elaborate dance theatre form which he has studied on numerous trips to India. He has published more than twenty books as a playwright, poet, novelist and essayist, and he is one of Quebec’s most-produced and translated playwrights (his plays have been translated into twelve languages).

Reviews

[Amélie Côté]

Les mots de Larry Tremblay sont simples, ils sont crus, ils écorchent, mais ils sont ô combien efficaces! Habile jeu de miroir pour illustrer l'absurdité de la guerre qui fait des victimes des deux côtés. Cantate de guerre est pour moi un complément à l'Orangeraie. Tremblay y traite du sordide sans concession, mais avec élégance.

Un livre nécessaire.